South Africa President Ramaphosa Offers Condolences on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba Boat Tragedy 

 South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa extended  his deep condolences to the Government and people of Zimbabwe following the extensive loss of lives in a recent tragic boat accident on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe just at the end of the country’s Heroes Day holiday commemorations.

President Ramaphosa offered his sympathies to the families of  people who died when a ferry capsized on Lake Kariba on 11 August 2026.

 At the time of his condolences message the number of people who had died in the accident was standing at 44 but at the time of writing the number has since risen to 73.

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa said President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are also with the survivors of the tragedy and families who await the outcome of continuing search operations.

President Ramaphosa said,  “As South Africans, we stand in solidarity with the nation of Zimbabwe as we mourn this extensive loss of life.

“We wish survivors a speedy recovery and we pay tribute to the emergency services who are working tirelessly to support and bring closure to affected families and communities.”